gimbal (jimbal)

[Also gimbol; with excrescent bas in gamble, humble, thimble, etc., formerly gimbel, gimmal, gymmal, jimmal, gemel (see gimmal ), most commonly used in the plural, applied to two movable hoops or rings, the one within the other, the outer capable of rotation about a fixed horizontal axis lying in its plane, and the inner capable of rotation about an axis lying in the planes of both rings and perpendicular to the fixed axis. The mariners' compa is suspended by such a contrivance, and, having a free motion directions at right angles to each other, it maintains the card in a horizontal position, notwithstanding the rolling of the ship. Truly this argument hangeth togither by verie strange gimbols . Holinshed, Descrip. of Ireland, VI. ii. 21. Joined or interlocked work whose parts move within each other, as a bridle-bit or interlocked rings; a gemel-ring. Hub . Sure, I should know that gimmal . Minche. 'Tis certain he: I had forgot my ring too. Fletcher, Beggar's Bush, iv. 2. My acts are like the motional gymmals Fix'd in a watch. change, cf. chime2 = chine2.] A hole washed out of the ground by the rushing water when an embankment gives way. Peacock, Glo ary (Manley and Corringham).